Beyond the 13 survey questions we asked each candidate on our voter guides, each candidate who answered the survey was given the opportunity, if they so chose, to respond to the following five essay questions in 300 words or less. On this page are the specific candidate’s answers. If a candidate answered some, but not all, of the questions, each unanswered question is marked as “No answer was provided.”

Question 1:

Explain your view of state government’s role in relation to economic growth and/or job creation.

Answer:

As a former member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce, I want state and federal government to create an atmosphere in which free enterprise can flourish and do what government can’t—create jobs and economic growth.

Question 2:

What particular regulations of abortion would you support or oppose and why?

Answer:

How shameful that Tennessee has become a destination state for abortion. I strongly support a waiting period, pre-abortion counseling, and mandatory hospital procedures after the second trimester instead of in a clinic. Clinics should be regulated, licensed, and inspected.

Question 3:

Do you believe parent(s) or government have the primary and ultimate responsibility for the education of children? Please provide at least one example that you believe demonstrates what you mean.

Answer:

The family was the first institution formed by God. He instructed parents to teach their children. Therefore, parents have the ultimate responsibility of education children.

Question 4:

What is one of the most satisfying things you have ever accomplished and what made it so satisfying to you?

Answer:

Raising three sons to become godly, productive citizens and watching them pass that legacy on to my grandchildren has been extremely satisfying.

Question 5:

What personal qualities or experiences do you think will define the nature of your service, if elected, and why do you think they are important?

Answer:

People have described me as genuine, honest, and hardworking. My overall life experience has helped me to empathize with the hurting, unemployed, and downtrodden. As State Rep. I will carefully consider how each vote impacts the people.